"Blessed is the man [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper"

Birds of the Air

Flying Lessons For The Redeemed

When you see geese flying along in “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way.
(An anonymous story, adapted from the internet, using the Bible translation of W.F. Beck.)

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

» People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

• “And let us consider how we can stimulate one another to love and to do good works. Let us not stay away from our meetings, as some are regularly doing, but let us encourage one another, all the more because you see the Day coming nearer” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

» It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.

• “Don’t be selfish or proud, but humbly treat others as better than yourselves. Each of you, be interested not only in your own things but also in those of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

» What messages do we give when we honk from behind?

• “We ask you, fellow Christians, to appreciate the men who work with you and lead you in the Lord and warn you. Love them and think very highly of them on account of the work they’re doing …” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone – and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

» If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.

• “But one thing I do: I forget what is behind, reach for what is ahead, and with my eyes on the mark I go after the heavenly prize to which God has called us in Christ Jesus. Let us all who are mature think in this way …” (Philippians 3:14-15).

Finally – and this is important – when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

» If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

• “My fellow Christians, if you find anyone doing wrong, you who have the Spirit should set him right. But be gentle and keep an eye on yourself; you may be tempted too. Help one another carry these loads ….” (Galatians 6:1-2).